4 Delaware's 5 2005 Water 10 Frequently 11 Jr. Water INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Source Water Quality Report Asked Works Page Assessment This issue of Water Works reports Questions Program 2005 testing results of the City of Wilmington's system Hey Kids! – the water that goes to your tap. You can read all about it begin- ning on page 5. Thirstin is waiting for Volume 4 you on pages Summer 11 and 12. 2006

A Newsletter Published by The City of Wilmington, Department of Public Works - Water Division

The history of the undertaking is filled with amazing and construction feats in Wilmington’s light of the times. The City had to clear the 1- 3/4 mile reservoir site, construct the 400-foot Edgar Hoopes long , design and build a new pumping station and an underground force main tunnel Reservoir to move the water between the Brandywine, the Porter Filter Plant and the new reservoir. Vision became reality in 1932 Valley was a natural basin Hoopes Reservoir is a primary source of stored fresh The area formerly known as the Old Mill Since 1932, water for the City of Wilmington and is the largest Stream Valley became the natural basin for major facility in New Castle County. the Edgar Hoopes the reservoir. The entire valley was about Construction of this over 2 billion gallon Reservoir has served 8,000 feet long, 900 feet wide, and 135 feet storage reservoir north of Wilmington near Routes 82 as reserve storage of deep and was protected by high hills and 52 began in 1925. The approximately $3 million unbroken except at the narrowest point project was dedicated in June, 1932, and named primarily where the manmade concrete dam was for Colonel Edgar M. Hoopes, Jr., a former Chief for the City, and also installed. Though no digging was required, Engineer of the City's Water Department and a board for other utilities in 70,000 cubic yards of materials had to be member of the Wilmington Water Commission, the state. excavated from the 230-acre basin. 480 sponsors of the project. acres of land were purchased. 2 continued from page 1 3 Building the dam Hoopes Reservoir’s role today Approximately 105,000 cubic yards of concrete The Edgar Hoopes Reservoir has served the City of were poured during construction of the dam. Cement Wilmington for 74 years as a back-up supply of quality fresh was received in bulk and pumped to a mixer 1,000 water. It is a critical component of the City’s Source Water feet distant, across the Red Clay Creek, and under a Protection Program, providing high quality source water at highway to the mixer. A series of belt conveyors carried Porter Filter Plant when rains make the Brandywine overly This history of the the mixed concrete from the mixer, up the hillside and turbid and muddy. across the dam to its final destination. building of Hoopes For years, it was assumed that water near the bottom of Reservoir was compiled from The base of the dam is about 90 feet thick, graduating to Hoopes Reservoir was of poor quality and not suitable for a Water Department scrapbook of 16 feet at the top, with a 19-foot wide walkway on the top. general use, but sampling and testing by the Delaware articles published in local newspapers

Edgar Hoopes Reservoir To lessen seepage under the dam, the rock seams of the cut- Geological Survey (DGS) proved that water was suitable from June 1931 to June 1932. Delaware Edgar Hoopes Reservoir off trench were grouted, and core walls eight feet thick were to within 2 feet of the bottom, adding 500 million reserve newspapers included the Evening Journal, extended into the hillsides some 100 feet at the end of the dam. gallons to Hoopes’ available . As a result, in the the Every Evening, the Morning News, Twelve window-like openings, part of the force main that fills the dam City of Wilmington’s “Operating Plan for Hoopes Reservoir,” and the Sunday Star. Clippings from the During construction, circa late 1920s. with water, control the passage of water in and out of the dam at various the City agreed to release up to 500 mg (3 to 5 million Philadelphia Inquirer and West Chester The Old Mill Stream Valley offered a elevations. gallons per day) as requested by other utilities as long as Local Daily News are also in the album. natural basin, with high walls on three the reservoir level was no more than 10 feet below its full The force main, or long underground pipe that carries the water into the city, was sides. Conveyor belts carried concrete another sizable part of the project. Specially constructed water mains, having a diameter to the dam. capacity. of 42 inches, were laid from Eighteenth and Baynard Boulevard to the reservoir. After completion of the dam, a pumping station with three gasoline-engine-driven centrifugal pumps, each with a daily pumping capacity of 4 million gallons and capable of returning water to existing filter plants, was constructed at the base. Filling the reservoir Filling the Edgar Hoopes Reservoir began with a “cushion” of approximately 40,000,000 gallons from the valley’s Old Mill Stream. Water department engineers diverted the stream from its normal flow through the valley and into the Red Clay Creek, backing the stream up into the new reservoir. It took about a month for the water to form the 20-foot-deep miniature water cushion. Then an additional 700,000,000 gallons was pumped into the reservoir from the Brandywine. The cushion was necessary to prevent erosion of the Hoopes today, showing the filled reservoir and the A pumping station with 3 gasoline-engine-driven View of the dam’s . In 1932 dollars, cost of the banks of the reservoir as the water was pumped in. The water from the Brandywine was 19-foot wide walkway atop the dam. centrifugal pumps was constructed at the base of the dam. reservoir was approximately $3 million. Imagine what it would cost today! pumped at a rate of six to eight million gallons a day until the final depth of water of 100 feet was reached, creating a lake one and three-quarter miles in length with an average width of 900 feet.

The 400-foot dam rests on solid rock 115 feet deep and ranges in thickness from 90 feet A view from the west side of the dam, wide at the base to 16 feet wide at the top. before the reservoir was filled. 4 Delaware’s Source Water Assessment Program THE CITY OF WILMINGTON 5

Vigilance is vital to assure the safety of our water supply. land areas closest to the Brandywine Creek and could Keeping public drinking water supplies safe is the shared potentially have the greatest impact on water quality. The responsibility of federal, state and local agencies, water majority of these sources were underground storage tanks. 2005 WATER suppliers, and now more than ever – consumers. In Pennsylvania, 72 sources were identified, the majority The Department of Natural Resources and of which were associated with wastewater and storm Environmental Control (DNREC), Division water discharges. Non-point sources or storm water of , is the lead agency. runoff can also potentially contribute to contamination. QUALITY REPORT The public participates through a Citizen However, wooded and agriculture were identified as the and Technical Advisory Committee and predominant land uses in the Wilmington SWA and were by becoming informed about and staying determined to be low sources of contaminants. involved with efforts to keep our water safe. More detailed information is available in the City of How We Test Our As mandated in The Safe Water Drinking Act Wilmington Source Water Assessment Report, which About This Report... (amended in 1996), the Delaware Source can be found on the Delaware SWAP website (http:// Drinking Water Water Assessment Program (SWAP) analyzes www.wr.udel.edu/swaphome/phase2/finalassessments2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) existing and potential threats to the quality of html). More information is also available from Delaware requires The City of Wilmington, and all other The Wilmington Water Division monitors for over 100 public drinking water supplies. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control water suppliers in the US, to report yearly on contaminants, including herbicides, pesticides, Cryptosporidia, at 302-739-4793. City of Wilmington drinking water is treated specific details about testing for a number of Giardia, and coliform . We collect samples from the continuously and exceeds all drinking water regulatory contaminants in our water. Chemical and biological Brandywine Creek, Hoopes Reservoir, Porter Reservoir, requirements. However, contamination of the source can lead Wilmington takes a multiple barrier monitoring provides the data that helps suppliers Cool Spring Reservoir, the filtration plants, and at customers' to higher treatment costs and protecting source water is an approach to protecting our drinking water such as the City of Wilmington make key water taps in the distribution system. Delaware’s Source Assessment Water Program important step in Wilmington's multiple barrier approach to quality management decisions to ensure the Last year, over 30,000 water samples were drawn from the

The next step after the Source Water Assessment report The City of Wilmington 2005 Quality Water Report freshness and purity of our drinking water. protecting our drinking water supply. is Source Water Protection. The assessment identifies the City's freshwater supply treatment plants, and distribution system and our laboratory performed over 70,000 water In 2005, Wilmington's portion of the assessment included source of contaminants to which the City's water supply Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small analyses on those samples. This data supports the review of approximately 319 square miles of the watershed, is most susceptible. Protection efforts put in place various amounts of some contaminants. The presence of conclusion that Wilmington's water system complies with all located upstream of Wilmington's two intakes on the best management practices and partnerships to minimize contaminants does not necessarily indicate that applicable EPA drinking water regulations. Brandywine Creek and within 2 miles of the Hoopes susceptibility. The City is embarking on this next phase of water poses a health risk. To ensure that tap water Reservoir watershed. developing a Source Water Protection program now and During disinfection, certain by-products form as a result of considers partnership with its consumers integral to its success. is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations chemical reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring The City of Wilmington’s source water on the Brandywine which limit the amount of certain contaminants organic matter in water. These are carefully controlled to keep There are many benefits of source water protection. Pollution Creek was determined to have the highest susceptibility in water provided by public water systems. The disinfection effective and by-product levels low. to contamination from pathogens and metals, based on prevention is almost always cheaper than treating or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates Continue on next page. monitoring data. It is also highly susceptible to nutrients, replacing an existing drinking water supply. The costs of not bottled water, which must provide the same and other organics. protecting source water can include remediation or expensive protection for public health. Trained person- treatment. If the source becomes too contaminated, nel at the City's In the Delaware portion of the watershed, the assessment replacement of the water supply system may be necessary. water quality identified 24 discrete sources of contamination in the laboratory closely monitor our water for more than To ensure that tap water 100 contaminants. Source Water Protection Benefits Testing is per- formed at numer- is safe to drink, the EPA ous intervals in the treatment process, from ■ Source water protection reduces risks untreated water, through the treatment process and to public health from contaminants. prescribes regulations then from homes. ■ Source water protection can result in which limit the amount reduced costs for compliance monitoring. ■ Source water protection helps maintain of certain contaminants in or regain consumer confidence and reduces complaints. water provided by public ■ Source water protection promotes pro- water systems. active approaches and invites consumers to get involved in the process. The Race at Brandywine Creek Aerial View of Hoopes Reservoir 6 Protecting the Water Quality Statistics 7 Public from Disease Microbiological testing of water helps protect the public from Potential Contaminants such as polio, diptheria, typhoid, and cholera. Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses Chlorine is very effective at killing or disinfecting most of these and bacteria, which may come from sewage 1: Water Quality Results - Detected Primary[1] Parameters at Entry Points to Distribution System organisms in drinking water. However, Cryptosporidium a microbial treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural pathogen found in surface waters throughout the US, is resistant to livestock operations, and wildlife. Brandywine Filter Plant Porter Filter Plant [3] Lowest Highest Lowest Highest chlorine. Optimized including filtration provides an [2] MCL Contaminant Units MCLG or TT[4][5] Average Detected Detected Violation Average Detected Detected Violation Source effective barrier against passage of Cryptosporidium into drinking Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and Level Level Level Level water. One commonly used measure of this treatment effectiveness metals, which can occur naturally or result from Microbiological Indicators is removal. Average turbidity levels of 0.04 NTU and 0.03 urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic 95% of % of monthly NTU at Brandywine and Porter Filter plants respectively, are Turbidity - Not wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, samples samples must 100 100 100 No 99.8 97.2 100 No Soil runoff Percentile Applicable below EPA’s limit of 0.3 NTU. or farming. below 0.3 be less than 0.3 However, the most commonly-used filtration methods, such as No sample Turbidity - NTU must ever 0.04 0.02 0.16 No 0.03 0.01 0.72 No Soil runoff Pesticides and Herbicides, which may Values those used by Wilmington, cannot guarantee 100% removal. exceed 1.0 The City of Wilmington began monitoring for Cryptosporidium in come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, source water for its two plants beginning in November of 2005. urban stormwater runoff and residential uses. Inorganic Chemicals (Metals and Nutrients)

Cryptosporidium was detected at a level of 8 per 100L in one of Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff Organic Chemical Contaminants, including Arsenic ppb[16] none 50 0.5 0.5 0.5 No 0.6 0.6 0.6 No from orchards; Runoff from glass these four raw water samples taken in 2005. Based on research and electronics production wastes conducted on the removal of Cryptosporidium by common filtration synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum Discharge of drilling wastes; methods, the level detected in the source water should have been Barium ppm[17] 2 2 0.027 0.027 0.027 No 0.032 0.032 0.032 No Discharge from metal refineries; removed by the filters at the City’s treatment plant. Cryptosporidium production, and can also come from gas stations, Erosion of natural deposits has never been detected in the treated water supply. urban stormwater runoff and septic systems. Discharge from steel and pulp Chromium ppb[16] 100 100 1.8 1.8 1.8 No 1.7 1.7 1.7 No mills; Erosion of national deposits TOC Analyzer Radioactive Contaminants, which can occur The City of Wilmington 2005 Quality Water Report naturally or be the result of oil and gas production Erosion of natural deposits; Water This sophisticated instrument measures the organic content (Total Organic additive which promotes strong Fluoride ppm[17] 4 2/4[6] 0.9 0.2 1.6 No 1.0 0.1 1.5 No and mining activities. teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and Carbon – TOC) of the City’s source and treated water. This helps the City aluminum factories analyze trends on the source water (whether water quality is improving Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching or declining) and optimize filtration to produce high quality treated water, Nitrate ppm[17] 10 10 2.5 1.3 3.5 No 2.4 1.3 3.4 No from septic tanks; sewage; which exceeds State and Federal standards. Erosion of natural deposits Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching Nitrite ppm[17] 1 1 0.004 0.002 0.015 No 0.004 0.002 0.013 No from septic tanks; sewage; Important Health Erosion of natural deposits Note for "At Risk" Populations Disinfectants Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants At least 0.3 residual in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- Water additive used to control Chlorine ppm[17] entering 1.9 0.7 5 No 1.8 0.7 4.8 No microbes compromised persons, such as those with cancer undergoing Distribution chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with System HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, Disinfection Byproduct Precursors

and infants can be particularly vulnerable to infections. Total Organic ppm[17] 1.2 0.7 2.5 1.1 0.8 2.0 These people should seek advice from their health care Carbon Must exceed providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate ways to lessen 35%. Ratio Naturally present in the of actual the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial environment; Total organic % Removal removal to Total Organic carbon (TOC) has no health (Raw to required 45 35 57 49 37 61 contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Carbon effects; However, TOC provides Treated) removal–must a medium for the formation of Hotline (800-426-4791). be greater disinfection byproducts than or equal to 1. Total Organic Compliance 1.2[7] 1.2[7] Contacts Carbon Ratio Radionuclides In addition, during this time of heightened watchfulness, you can help us ensure the safety of our water supply by reporting Gross Beta Decay of natural and man-made Particle pCi/L 50[13] No 4.8 4.8 4.8 No depostis of certain minerals that any unusual or suspicious activity either on our waterways, Activity are radioactive near our reservoirs, water filtration plants, water towers or pumping stations. To report an incident, or if you have questions about this report, call Colleen Arnold, Water Quality Manager at (302) 573-5522. Weekends or after 5 pm - (302) 571-4150. 8 Table 2: Water Quality Results - Detected Primary[1] Parameters in Distribution System Table 3: Secondary[14] Parameters and Other Parameters of Interest at Entry Points to Distribution System 9 [3] Lowest Highest [2] MCL Brandywine Filter Plant Porter Filter Plant Contaminant Units MCLG [4] [5] Average Detected Detected Violation Source or TT Level Level Lowest Highest Lowest Highest Microbiological Indicators Contaminant Units SMCL[15] Average Detected Detected Average Detected Detected Source Level Level Level Level Bacteria that are naturally present in the % of samples Total Coliform 0% 5% 0.8 0 3.7 No environment. Used as an indicator of the positive/month Conventional Physical and Chemical Parameters presence of other potentially harmful bacteria. Measure of acidity or alkalinity; Waters pH pH units 6.5 - 8.5 7.2 6.7 7.6 7.1 6.5 8.1 Lead and Copper (based on 2005 sampling) with pH = 7.0 are neutral

TT: 90% of tap water samples Measure of buffering capacity of water or [16] [9] Alkalinity mg/L None 47 33 62 43 30 58 Lead ppb 0 must be less than the Action 8.5 0.5 45 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems. ability to neutralize an acid Level of 15. Naturally occurring; Measures Calcium Hardness mg/L None 113 70 142 110 60 140 TT: 90% of tap water samples and Magnesium Copper ppm[17] 1.3 must be less than the Action 0.24[9] 0.015 0.59 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems. Level of 1.3. Conductivity µmhos/cm None 360 210 510 350 250 490 General measure of mineral content

Disinfectants Total Dissolved Metals and salts naturally occurring in the soil; ppm[17] 500 184 184 170 170 Solids (TDS) organic matter MRDLG = MRDL = 4.0[10] Chlorine ppm[17] 0.76 0.67[12] 0.85[12] Water additive used to control microbes. 4.0[11] Sodium mg/L None 16 16 16 16 Naturally occurring

Naturally occurring; Chemical Additive to Disinfection Byproducts Chloride mg/L 250 59 43 112 59 42 104 treat the water Byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Forms Total Not 80: Based on Running Annual Metals ppb[16] 31[8] 12 75 No due to reaction of chlorine with total organic Trihalomethanes Applicable[9] Average of Quarterly Samples carbon. Naturally occurring; Chemical Additive to Iron ppb[16] 300 19 3 58 15 5 50 treat the water Byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Forms Not 60: Based on Running Annual Haloacetic Acids ppb[16] 17[8] 9 68 No due to reaction of chlorine with total organic Applicable[9] Average of Quarterly Samples Manganese ppb[16] 50 10 2 250 10 4 20 Naturally occurring carbon. Naturally occurring; Chemical Additive to Zinc ppb[16] 5000 250 16 730 390 38 660 treat the water Key to Charts [1]...... Primary parameters are contaminants that are regulated by a maximum contaminant level (MCL), because above this level consumption may adversely affect the health of a consumer. Table 4: Other Primary Contaminants Tested, But Not Detected in 2005 The City of Wilmington 2005 Quality Water Report

Metals (Inorganic Chemicals) Benzo (K) Fluoranthene Metolachlor The City of Wilmington 2005 Qual Water ity Report [2] ...... MCLG - Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or Antimony BHC-Gamma Metribuzin (Sencor) expected risk to health. MCLGs allow no margin of safety. Arsenic Bis (2-Ethlyhexyl) Phthal Naphthalene [3] ...... MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as Beryllium Bis Ether Ordram close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment . Cadmium Butachlor Oxamyl ButylBenzyl Phthalate Pentachlorophenol [4]......  TT – Treatment Technique refers to the required process intended to reduce the level of a comtaminant in drinking water. Selenium Carbaryl Phenanthrene EPA’s surface water treatment rules require systems to (1) disinfect their water and (2) filter their water such that the spe- Thallium Carbofuran Picloram cific contaminant levels cited are met. Lead and copper are regulated by a Treatment Technique that requires systems to Radionuclides Chrysene Propachlor control the corrosiveness of their water. Total organic carbon is regulated by a Treatment Technique that requires systems Gross Alpha Activity Dalapon Propoxur operate with enhanced coagulation or enhanced softening to meet specififed percent removals. Gross Beta Activity DDE Pyrene

[5] ...... Unless otherwise indicated value given is a MCL. Synthetic Organic Chemicals Di Adipate Simazine (including Pesticides and Herbicides) Di Phthalate Terbacil [6]...... State limit is to not exceed 2.0 mg/L. Federal MCL is 4.0 mg/L. 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Dibenzo Anthracene Volatile Organic Chemicals [7] ...... Cited average is the lowest running annual average calculated from monthly samples in 2005. 2,4,5-TP Dibenzofuran Benzene 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol Dibromochloropropane Carbon Tetrachloride [8] ...... Cited average is highest running annual average calculated from quarterly samples in 2005. 2,4-D Dicamba 1,2-Dichlorobenzene [9] ...... Value given is not an average, but the 90th percentile action level. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Dieldrin 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 2,6-Dinitrotolune Diethyl Phthalate 1,2 Dichloroethane [10] ...... MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. 2-Methyl Naphthalene Dimethyl Phthalate 1,1 Dichloroethylene [11] ...... MRDLG - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal is the level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no 3-Hydroxycarbofuran Di-N-Butyl Phthalate cis-1,2-dichloroethylene known or expected health risk. Acenaphthene Di-N-Octyl Phthalate trans-1,2-dichloroethylene Acenaphthylene Dinoseb Dichloromethane [12]...... Cited value is the lowest and highest average of 120 routine samples per month. Acifluorfen Endrin 1,2 Dichloropropane Actechlor Eptam Ethylbenzene [13] ...... The MCL for both particles is 4mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern. Alachlor (LASSO) Ethylene Dibromide Methyl tert Butyl Ether [14]...... Secondary parameters are contaminants that are regulated by non-enforceable guidelines because the contaminants may Aldicarb Fluoranthene Momochlorobenzene cause non-health related cosmetic effects, such as taste, odor, or color. Aldicarb Sulfone Fluorene Styrene Aldicarb Sulfoxide Heptachlor Tetrachlorethylene [15]...... SMCL: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level is the level of a physical, chemcial or biological contaminant in drinking Aldrin Heptachlor Epoxide Toluene water above which the taste, odor, color or appearance (aesthetics) of the water may be adversely affected. This is a non- Anthracene Hexachlorobenzene 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene enforceable guideline which is not directly related to public health. Atrazine Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 1,1,1-Trichloroethane [16]...... ppb - parts per billion Benzo (A) Antracene Ideno (1,2,3-CD) Pyrene 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Benzo (A) Pyrene Methiocarb Trichloroethylene [17]...... ppm - parts per million Benzo (B) Fluoranthene Methomyl Vinyl Chloride Benzo (G,H,I) Perylene Methoxychlor Xylenes 10 11

Copy and graphics were adapted from EPA educational material. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs To view more learning tips, go to www.epa.gov site and click on For Kids. 1) My water is rusty – is it safe to drink? water and not water that has sat in your household plumbing. Fill a jug or container and put the water in Yes. Wilmington has many unlined cast iron mains that your refrigerator. Letting the water sit in a container will naturally corrode over time, depositing rust in the pipes eliminate most or all of the chlorine taste and odor. that carry water to your tap. Although unsightly, iron is not regulated by the State or EPA as a health hazard. We try to prevent seasonal odors in tap water by adding activated carbon to the water at our treatment plants. The carbon absorbs most of the musty smelling non- 2) My laundry is stained due to rusty water toxic chemicals given off by , bacteria and tiny Hello! Frequently Asked Frequently Questions – what can I do? fungi that sometimes grow in our source water, the My name is Thirstin. Keep the clothes wet. Do not put them in your dryer. Brandywine Creek. Call the laboratory at the number below and a technician DID YOU KNOW? will provide you with ROVER, a special chemical for 5) Should I filter my tap water ? Brita/ removing rust. Also, before doing your next load of refrigerator filter/faucet filter, etc… Water comes in three laundry, run a water cycle and make sure any rust in the different forms: pipes has cleared. Water is treated at one of two treatment plants and exceeds all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Liquid, Gas, Solid That said, there are old iron water mains in the City that 3) I received your flyer about flushing the

we are working on replacing, so you may experience — Works Water to Ways Jr. Learn About Water... water mains, but I am experiencing low or intermittent problems with rust. If you are experiencing no water pressure – is this a problem? rust, a 5-micron cartridge type filter available at local hardware stores for, at most, a couple of hundred dollars The flyer should have noted that low water pressure will easily remove the rust. Reverse osmosis, water is common. Pressure will return as soon as flushing is softening systems, etc., cost thousands of dollars and completed for the day. will not necessarily provide any additional health benefit. If you did use water during our hydrant flushing and If you do find the need to use a water filter of any type, brought some rusty water into your household plumbing, please remember that these filters will clog and need to use all the cold faucet taps throughout your house, be replaced per manufacturer recommendations. starting in the basement and working your way up. (If you Circle the correct answer to these questions start at the top of the house, i.e. an upstairs bathroom, you may draw rusty water throughout the house, when it 6) Why does my water have white about water’s 3 forms… Liquid, Solid, & Gas was originally only in the basement pipes.) particles in it? 1 If you want to change water (a liquid) to ice (a solid), you need to Lime (a white powdery substance made of mostly A. Heat it B. Defrost it C. Freeze it 4) My water smells or tastes funny. calcium) is used to adjust pH on the water – this limits Will it make me sick? its corrosion potential when traveling through metal 2 When water boils it becomes a gas and the liquid in the pan pipes. Draining your hot water heater can help eliminate A. Reduces B. Increases C. Stays the same It will not make you sick. The majority of smell complaint lime accumulations. samples the lab tests are associated with chlorine. 3 Water freezes at what temperature? Sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach, is used as a A. 98.6º Fahrenheit B. 100º Fahrenheit C. 32º Fahrenheit disinfectant to keep water safe to drink. Should you have any additional questions or concerns Water tastes better cold. Try flushing water from your about your drinking water, feel free to call The City 4 The steam that rises from the hot water you use to take a shower cold kitchen faucet until you notice a temperature Water Quality Laboratory at 571-4158 (the main lab is an example of a difference – this ensures that you are receiving fresh number) or 573-5522 (lab supervisor’s number). The A. Liquid B. Gas C. Solid laboratory is located at the Porter Filter Plant at 1401 Concord Pike and is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday 5 If an ice skater falls through the ice, it is usually because the ice

through Friday. A. Is not completely liquid B. Is not completely solid C. Is too cold

Answers: Answers: 1:C 2:A 3:C 4:B 5:B 4:B 3:C 2:A 1:C 12 COLOR US “GOOD KIDS” FOR NOT James M. Baker, Mayor Kash Srinivasan, Commissioner WASTING WATER Department of Public Works Louis L. Redding City/County Bldg. It is important to conserve as 800 French Street • Wilmington, DE 19801-3537 much water as we can. Henry W. Supinski You can help by: City Treasurer City Council Members:

The Honorable Theodore Blunt The Honorable Paul Ignudo, Jr. President of City Council City Council Member, 7th District The Honorable Charles Potter, Jr. The Honorable Gerald L. Brady City Council Member, 1st District City Council Member, 8th District The Honorable Norman D. Griffiths The Honorable Michael A. Brown, Sr. City Council Member, 2nd District City Council Member-at-Large The Honorable Stephanie T. Bolden The Honorable Charles M. Freel turning off the water when City Council Member, 3rd District City Council Member-at-Large you're not using it, and... The Honorable Hanifa G.N. Shabazz The Honorable Theopalis K. Gregory Jr. Water Works — Works Water to Ways Jr. Learn About Water... City Council Member, 4th District City Council Member-at-Large telling an adult when The Honorable Samuel Prado The Honorable Loretta Walsh you see a leak. City Council Member, 5th District City Council Member-at-Large The Honorable Kevin F. Kelley, Sr. City Council Member, 6th District

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, state and federal law, "no person or group shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, and/or disability." General complaints or inquiries should be directed to: Affirmative Action Officer (302) 576-2460, and persons with disabilities may contact 504 Coordinator (302) 576-2460, City of Wilmington, Personnel Department, 4th Floor, 800 French Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. TDD is available at (302) 571-4568. Developed and Designed by Remline Corp, 1-800-555-6115

Department of Public Works Louis L. Redding City/County Bldg. FIRST CLASS PRESORTED 800 French Street US POSTAGE Wilmington, DE 19801-3537 PAID PROVIDE